Building A Hypertufa Pots

Hypertufa is a man-made rock that is popular for gardening. They are normally constructed as pots because unlike those made out of concrete, they are way lighter and they also don’t fracture in the winter. They are also quite attractive due to their rustic porous appearance, giving them a more natural feel. Hypertufa pots can be used on many types of plants but they are particularly beneficial on succulent types.

To create a hypertufa pot, you'll need an appropriate mold that can hold or contain the plant. Think about the shape and size of the mold that you'll be making use of for the expected output of your creation. You may use sytrofoam chests, trash cans, buckets, cardboard boxes, and even pots as a mold for your hypertufa. Protect your mold with garbage bag or if it’s made of plastic, apply oil lubricants to it. This will ensure that you'll be capable of detaching the mold later on, when your hypertufa hardens.

The second step is making your hypertufa mixture. You will need 1 part Portland cement, 1½ parts peat moss, and 1½ parts perlite for your pot. Combine the ingredients well and slowly and gradually put water until it reaches the sticky, mud-pie consistency. Then apply the mixture to the mold that you have prepared. It is up to you which part to apply the mixture on but take note that applying it inside will render a pot smaller than your mold while putting it outside may cause a rough, unequal bottom to your pot. Don't neglect to include drainage holes underneath your pot using a stick. Ensure that the mixture doesn’t flow back to cover the holes you just made.

Right after applying your mixture, cover a plastic bag all over your wet pot and let it sit for about three days until it solidifies. Then remove the mold off the hypertufa in a really careful manner. Roughen the sides getting a wire brush to give it a more natural appearance. Then, return your pot in the plastic bag and put it once again in a protected area. The pot will be all set in about three weeks time. Keep in mind to leach it first with water for a few days before planting on it as Portland cement contains high amount of lime which can be harmful to plants.